The economic partnership between Thailand and the Middle East, particularly the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been flourishing, highlighted by recent agreements aimed at enhancing trade relations. These developments include ongoing discussions on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), which are expected to serve as a gateway for Thailand to boost exports to other Middle Eastern countries.
As these trade discussions progress, there has already been a noticeable uptick in the demand for Thai products across the Middle East. To capitalize on this growing interest, explore a list of some of the most popular Thai products exported to the Middle East. This will give entrepreneurs insights on what to export from Thailand to tap into this expanding market.
1. Thai canned seafood
If you're wondering what does Thailand produce and export the most, canned food is definitely at the top of the list.
The demand for canned food from Thailand, particularly seafood, such as sardines, mackerel, and tuna, continues to grow. In fact, Thailand remains the world's leading exporter of canned tuna, with the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, emerging as a significant market for these seafood exports, accounting for 6.4% of the total tuna export turnover.
This popularity for Thai canned seafood ties into the Middle East’s deep-rooted culinary culture, where seafood has been a staple for centuries due to its coastal geography and traditional reliance on fishing. As such, Thai canned seafood offers a convenient, high-quality, and affordable way to enjoy these longstanding culinary traditions of Middle Eastern consumers.
2. Thai fresh and canned fruits
The Thai government is actively pursuing diversification in fruit exports, with the Middle East being a key target market, where there is high demand for Thai fruits such as durian, mango, rambutan, mangosteen, and longan.
As part of this strategy, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Chalermchai Sri-on targeted a boost in exports of these farm products and food to the UAE by US$299 million in 2022, achieving a 4.6% increase from the previous year.
In addition to fresh fruits, the canned food market, including canned fruits, is also thriving, mainly due to the long shelf life and convenience these products offer. As a result, both fresh and canned fruit exports from Thailand continue to grow across the Middle East.
3. Thai electronics and appliances
The Middle East's expanding tech-savvy consumer base has significantly fueled the demand for consumer electronics, including televisions, smartphones, and other gadgets.
Interestingly, Thailand’s electronics industry stands as a dominant force in its manufacturing sector. In 2022 alone, exports of electronic goods such as appliances were among Thailand’s highest, totaling over US$34 billion according to Statista. Additionally, among the main export products of Thailand to the UAE in 2022 were air conditioners (US$315 million), as reported by the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC).
This highlights Thailand’s significant role in meeting the global demand, such as those in the Middle East, for high quality electronics and home appliances, which is growing in the Middle East due to increased disposable incomes and rapid urbanization.
4. Thai automotive and auto parts
Thailand ranks as the world's 10th-largest car producer, with an annual manufacturing capacity of 1.8-1.9 million units, according to reports from the Bangkok Post. The Middle East, notably, has become Thailand's third-largest export market for automobiles and auto parts, contributing to 16% of the total exports. Specifically, vehicles have become the main export of Thailand to strategic markets like Israel.
This success can be largely attributed to its competitive pricing and stringent quality standards, which have fostered ongoing strong demand for Thailand vehicle exports throughout the region.
5. Thai textiles and clothing
Thailand is renowned for its expertise in weaving and knitting, producing fabrics that are not only superior in quality but also in high demand globally. This expertise has led to an impressive US$6 billion in textile and apparel exports in 2023, according to Statista.
Furthermore, as part of the ongoing Free Trade Agreement with the UAE, Thailand is planning to further boost its exports of textiles and garments—sectors that are already showing significant growth.
In fact, in 2022, these exports, including garments made from fabrics, felt, and nonwovens, totaled US$2.72 million, as reported by the United Nations COMTRADE database.
This growth opens significant opportunities for e-commerce ventures, especially appealing to Middle Eastern consumers who favor quality textiles and stylish clothing. By tapping into this demand, Thailand is poised to strengthen its position as a leading exporter in the global textiles market.
6. Thai personal care items
The Middle East's younger demographic, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, has shown a growing interest in exploring personal care items, leading to an increased demand in the region. As a result, Thailand has emerged as a key source for these products, providing a diverse range of high-quality personal care items.
In fact, in 2022, Thailand's exports of beauty and skincare preparations to Saudi Arabia reached US$4.61 million, as per the United Nations COMTRADE database.
A prime example of the regional influence of Thai personal care items is Aesthetic Plus, a leader in the country's cosmetics and skincare industry. This company has successfully exported products such as serums and moisturizing creams from Thailand to the Middle East, ensuring all items meet halal certification standards to align with the preferences and confidence of Muslim consumers in these markets.
E-commerce businesses can capitalize on this trend by aligning their offerings with the mindful certifications and high standards of personal care items in high demand in the region.
7. Thai food supplements
As consumers in the Middle East increasingly opt for healthier lifestyles, the popularity of food supplements has surged. Thailand has successfully tapped into this trend, with its total global export reaching 6,528 shipments of supplements from March 2023 to February 2024 alone, as per data from Volza.
The growing demand for these products highlights the potential for Thai food supplements to expand their exports further and increase their overall popularity in the region.
Unlocking new opportunities for Thai exports in the Middle East
As we've explored above, the strong trade relationship between Thailand and the Middle East offers numerous opportunities for future growth. With ongoing initiatives like the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Thailand and the UAE, new markets and investment possibilities are emerging, allowing Thai businesses to tap into the region's growing demand.
To support this growth, DHL Express Thailand serves as a leading logistics partner, helping Thai businesses and e-commerce retailers capitalize on these opportunities. Our team of customs experts ensures smooth navigation through complex regulations, enabling successful international shipping from Thailand to Middle Eastern countries.
Whether shipping perishable foods or other popular Thai products like electronics, textiles, and personal care products, we will guide you on how to export from Thailand efficiently and seamlessly with our tailored shipping solutions designed to meet your specific business needs.
Open a business account with DHL Express Thailand today and confidently tap into the growing demand for Thai products in the Middle East.
